El Puesto Cocina & Lounge

2060 White Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93304, United States
+1 661-759-9206
$$$ Restaurant
(443 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to El Puesto Cocina & Lounge, a vibrant escape located at 2060 White Ln, Bakersfield, CA. This gem of a restaurant offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine that will transport your senses to the heart of Mexico with every bite. With a commitment to delivering not just food but a passionate culinary experience, El Puesto tantalizes the palate with a menu filled with rich flavors and fresh ingredients.

As you step inside, you'll be enveloped in a cheerful ambiance, enhanced by beautifully arranged rose-covered branches and glowing lanterns that create a magical, celebratory atmosphere. The lively vibe doesn’t just stop at the decor; the sounds of a live band fill the air, inviting guests to enjoy not only great food but also a memorable dining experience.

The menu is a mouthwatering journey, starting with their signature dishes. Don't miss out on the birria tacos, which have garnered rave reviews for their rich, juicy fillings paired with a deep red consommé that brings out the flavors beautifully. The Coctel De Camarón and the Ceviche Tropical are perfect for seafood lovers, offering fresh and zesty flavors that are refreshing and satisfying. Whether you choose to indulge in the elaborate postres like creamy flan or deep-fried ice cream, your palate will thank you for the treat.

Customer experiences echo the delightful essence of El Puesto. Tony shares how the restaurant played host to a festive birthday celebration, comparing the ambiance to that of a fiesta enriched with flavor and light. Patricia highlights the convenience of its location near the 99 freeway, making it an easy stop for travelers and locals alike. Notably, the attentive staff, like Esmeralda, ensure that your dining experience is both enjoyable and memorable.

El Puesto Cocina & Lounge isn’t just about dining; it’s about creating moments. With hearty portions and an eclectic mix of traditional and unique entrees, each visit feels special and irresistible. So grab your friends, family, or loved ones, and come discover why so many have fallen in love with this hidden gem. Your taste buds are waiting!

For reservations or inquiries, call +1 661-759-9206. Don’t miss out on this delightful culinary experience!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Friday

11:00 AM - 1:30 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 1:30 AM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 1:00 AM

443 Reviews
Tony

02 Sep 2025

We chose El Puesto Cocina & Lounge to celebrate my partner’s birthday — and what a fiesta it turned out to be! From the moment we walked in, the decor set the tone: rose-covered branches and glowing lanterns gave the space a magical, celebratory feel. The food was just as impressive. Their birria tacos were everything you want them to be — rich, juicy, and paired with a deep red consommé that brought all the flavors together. Even the drinks arrived with tradition: refreshing aguas frescas served in clay mugs, each sip feeling authentic and refreshing. My own plate didn’t disappoint either. Hearty rice, creamy beans, and a perfectly stuffed burrito came alive with pickled onions and spices — the kind of meal that balances comfort with vibrancy. And the atmosphere? Absolutely electric. From the Frida mural to the dramatic tree-root chandeliers, the artistry above us matched the mariachi’s melodies that carried through the night. But the highlight, hands down, was the birthday surprise. The staff brought out a sombrero, poured tequila shots, and lit up the room with glowing sticks while singing and dancing around my partner. His joy in that moment made the night unforgettable. El Puesto isn’t just dinner — it’s a full-on celebration of culture, food, and community. Perfect for making memories.

Patricia Leal

01 Sep 2025

What a hidden little gem we recently discovered in close proximity to the 99 freeway so you have no excuse not to pop in while passing through. If you are a local, like us you are sure to be a repeat customer. We went on a Friday and were surprised to see a lunch buffet with a wide range of food items. There was No Wait for a table and Esmeralda took care of us. The wait staff seems to be on top of bringing the food out while it’s still very hot! The fresh tortilla station Hecho a mano (handmade) was a huge plus giving this restaurant a feature that stands out from the rest! I ordered molé chicken enchiladas with beans and rice with café de La Jolla (delish) and Steve ordered the chorizo con huevo scrambled and beans and potatoes with fresh corn tortillas. We will be back and bring our families with us next time. They have a huge bar with a busy bartender, Miguel mixing cocktails as the orders come in. The music (for my taste), was a bit loud for those who want a meal and conversation but it definitely lends to the cheerful vibe and who doesn’t like that? Though you could make out different music blasting from the kitchen as well. We will be back. Enjoy some of the photos I snapped. The presentation was tastefully done.

Tim Ackerman

10 Aug 2025

Truly can't say enough good things about this place. From the ambiance to the service to the amazing food, everything was top notch. Perfect blend of unique and authentic entrees, with hearty portions. Definitely looking forward to multiple return visits in the future.

Vanessa Lizarraga

02 Aug 2025

Wow—this place was a surprising gem! I visited El Puesto Cocina and Lounge on White Lane with a party of four, and from the moment we arrived, we were impressed. Although it wasn’t busy when we got there, the staff seated us within 15 minutes. The environment was welcoming and vibrant, with a live band playing and an overall great vibe. The staff were on point—friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the entire evening. They made sure we had everything we needed and checked in on us without being overbearing, which really added to the experience. As for the food: I ordered the Mar y Tierra plate, and it was absolutely delicious—both the steak and shrimp were cooked to perfection. I would rate my dish a 5 out of 5. My mom ordered the basic enchiladas, which were okay but a bit dry inside, likely due to the way the sauce was added. My sister had a chile, bean, and cheese burrito plate, and my dad tried the bass plate with a cactus salad. Both were decent but not standout dishes—I’d rate those around 3 out of 5. The handmade tortillas were a great touch, and I thoroughly enjoyed the handcrafted margaritas. I tried the mango & chamoy margarita and the Jamaica margarita—both were flavorful, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. In short, El Puesto impressed us with its ambiance, service, drinks, and standout dishes. I’d definitely return, especially if I’m passing through the area again. It's a spot worth visiting for the vibes alone!

Gene Perez

13 Jul 2025

I dont give a 5 star very often. The food is great, the ambience is great, the service was good. My only issue would be the music they play, for birthdays, they play some club music, that is loud. It's a Mexican restaurant, why not play las mananitas? Either way this plaace, is very much worth a try.

Sumeyya BK

30 May 2025

Went for Mother’s Day and I had a great time! A nice live band for the vibes , the food/drinks were great , the atmosphere was cute for pics & the sweet girl up front even took me one I recommend!

Cyndie Perez (Catsmyne)

29 May 2025

Loved the dinner here with friends & family. The music was a bit loud but the atmosphere in there was so amazing. The decor, the service. Everything was perfect! The food was delicious and the drinks were perfect. Next dinner party we are coming back

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